Mycoplasma Genitalium

Symptoms, causes and treatment options for mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is caused by a parasitic bacterium that can be contracted through unprotected sexual contact. It has similar characteristics to chlamydia and gonorrhoea and it usually occurs in conjunction with other STIs.

Mycoplasma is one of the main causes of urethritis in men, and is commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis in women. If you have been diagnosed with this STI, it can be treated with antibiotics. Alternatively, if you would like more information, you can read more further below.

What is mycoplasma genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a strain of the mycoplasma bacteria that affects the cells of the urinary/genital area. It is classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and was first identified in 1981. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, and is often confused with gonorrhoea or chlamydia due to various similarities between the conditions.

There are no obvious symptoms associated with mycoplasma genitalium, therefore, if your results come back as positive when testing for mycoplasma genitalium, but you can't detect any symptoms, it is still recommended that you seek treatment for this curable condition.

If you are displaying symptoms and are unsure, you can complete a consultation online and is what our partner doctor recommends. This is free of charge and takes approximately 5 minutes.

Dr Hilary Jones Independent Medical Adviser

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Causes of mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by small mycoplasmal organisms, and then transferred through unprotected sexual intercourse. Without the use of appropriate protection, these organisms can cause infection as extracellular parasites, by attaching themselves to the surface of the genital tract and attacking the tissue of the host.

Mycoplasma genitalium can be passed on from one sexual partner to another during:

Vaginal, anal or oral sex

Unprotected sex or if you have frequent sex with different partners

Sharing of sex toys with an infected partner

Sharing of sex toys with an infected partner.

Unprotected sex with an infected person

Symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium

In some cases, men and women infected with mycoplasma genitalium do not experience any symptoms, due to the asymptomatic nature of the condition. However, sometimes symptoms will usually become apparent after a week of being infected, but sometimes you may not notice any signs of mycoplasma genitalium for months.

Common symptoms associated with men include:

Burning feeling or pain during urination

Urethral discharge and pain and swelling in the joints (arthritis).

Common symptoms associated with women may also include:

Burning feeling or pain during urination

Pain during sex

Inflamed cervix

Bleeding between periods (often after sex)

Vaginal itching

Burning feeling or pain during urination

Urethral discharge and pain

Bleeding between periods

inflamed cervix

Pain during sex

Vaginal itching

The main problem with diagnosing mycoplasma is that the symptoms associated with the condition are associated with other sexually transmitted diseases as well (e.g. non-specific urethritis). So, it's always best to get tested as soon as possible, so that you can know for sure before selecting an appropriate treatment.

Benefits of treating mycoplasma genitalium

A number of benefits can be experienced when you successfully treat mycoplasma genitalium.

Avoid the risk of further health problems

such as cervicitis, urethritis, and ectopic pregnancylong-term

Treat associated symptoms

reduced pain and burning sensations in the genital region

Fertility issues

these can be prevented if the condition is treated in time

May prevent further transmission

although it is still advised to use a barrier contraceptive condition is treated in time

Avoid the risk of further health problems, such as cervicitis, urethritis, and ectopic pregnancy

Your personal sexual confidence will improve

Your partner's sexual confidence can also improve

Any issues relating to future fertility issues can be avoided

Your sexual performance and overall experience can be enhanced

Psychological issues associated with mycoplasma genitalium (as well as other STIs), such as stress and anxiety, can be successfully prevented

How can I get tested for mycoplasma genitalium?

Your local sexual health clinic or GP will be able to test you for this STI. However, because the symptoms are similar to other STI's, it's best to get a full STI screen so that your specialist can find out what the problem is and recommend a solution.

A mycoplasma test for men will involve a urine sample and for women, a swab will be taken from the vagina. Both these tests are designed to look for the DNA of the mycoplasma bacterium. The sooner that you get diagnosed; the sooner you can be treated.

What are the risks of mycoplasma genitalium?

Although mycoplasma genitalium can easily be treated, it can stay unrecognised for months because it is asymptomatic, meaning that it rarely shows any symptoms. If left untreated, mycoplasma genitalium can lead to cervicitis, urethritis, ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease in women; and epididymitis and prostatitis in men. It can also lead to infertility and long-lasting pelvic pain in both sexes. Fortunately, all of these potential risks can be avoided when using effective antibiotic treatment.

Prevention for mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a completely preventable condition. It can be successfully prevented by following the preventable methods below:

Using male or female condoms during sex – this is the most highly recommended method when looking to prevent mycoplasma genitalium

Avoiding sex until the course of antibiotic treatment is completed. This is also the case if your partner is in the process of treating their STI

Additional testing can be taken after completing the course of treatment, to ensure that the bacteria have cleared, and the condition has been cured. This also excludes other forms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Keeping the number of sexual partners you have down can also be helpful when preventing mycoplasma genitalium

Avoid sharing sex toys with sexual partners – if you do intend to share them, ensure that they are washed thoroughly and covered with a fresh condom

What treatment options are available for mycoplasma genitalium?

The most effective way to treat mycoplasma genitalium is by taking antibiotic medication. Of all the available drugs used to cure this condition, Azithromycin is considered to be the most effective.

Azithromycin has been proven to be the best treatment method for this infection and is taken as a single one-day treatment of Azithromycin 500mg x 2 dose. This medication is taken in the form of a tablet, and should effectively treat the infection within just 7 days.

If you have tested positive for mycoplasma genitalium, click on the link below to begin a quick, free, and simple online consultation now, to determine which prescription treatment is right for you. After you have completed your consultation, our partner doctor will be able to assess your condition and make the right decision as to which treatments are best for your condition. Once you've made your choice, our partner doctor will write out a prescription and forward it to our pharmacy. Your medication will then be dispatched for free next day (or same-day, for all London postcodes) courier delivery.

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